2020 Lexus ES Hybrid Review: Fuel Economy Never Looked This Good

Lexus has been a proud vanguard of the luxury sedan class - many suggest that 'LEXUS' even stands for 'Luxury EXport to the US' - and although their range of crossover SUVs have gained massive popularity in recent years, the Japanese luxury automaker still invests massive amounts of energy in developing and building some of the best driving and most refined sedans in the world. The Lexus ES Hybrid sends a strong message that you don't have to give up on luxury to enjoy class-leading fuel economy, though. With only 215 hp and 153 lb-ft of torque on offer, the ES Hybrid feels underpowered when overtaking on the open road; but around town, it's a joy to drive, displaying levels of on-road refinement that are difficult to beat in this price range. The 2020 ES Hybrid starts off with an MSRP of $41,760 and goes up against the Toyota Avalon Hybrid and BMW 5 Series Hybrid - tough competition, but Lexus has never shied away from a hybrid battle.

ES Hybrid Exterior

The ES Hybrid's exterior borrows elements from both German and Japanese design styles, and while some might shun the prominent hour-glass grille - which gets a unique vertical slat design here compared to other trims - we think it adds some good presence to an otherwise under-the-radar car. Standard exterior features include a power moonroof, bi-LED headlamps, LED taillamps, and daytime running lights, as well as a concealed exhaust and rear spoiler. Signifying Lexus's dose of electrification, the badges get blue illumination.

Dimensions

The ES Hybrid measures in at a lengthy 195.9 inches, stands 56.9 inches tall, is 73.4 inches wide and rolls on a 113-inch wheelbase. You would think that the addition of an electric motor and its accompanying batteries would add some serious weight, but with a curb weight of 3,704 lbs, the Hybrid is only 55 pounds heavier than its gas-powered counterpart.

ES Hybrid Performance

Engine and Transmission

The ES Hybrid employs a 2.5-liter in-line four-cylinder gas engine running on the Atkinson cycle and a high-output, permanent-magnet, electric-drive motor with EV mode to send power to the front wheels via an electronic CVT. The total system output is a meager 215 hp. Driving around town, the ES Hybrid displays good low-speed throttle response and seamless acceleration, albeit at a leisurely pace. Out on the freeway, the ES Hybrid cruises comfortably at the speed limit, but feels strained when attempting to overtake. Lexus claims a performance figure of 8.1 seconds from 0-60 mph.

Handling and Driving Impressions

The ES Hybrid makes use of a tried and tested suspension setup consisting of independent MacPherson struts with coil springs, gas-pressurized shock absorbers and stabilizer bar in the front, and a multi-link trailing arm setup in the back. Fling the ES Hybrid around a tight set of bends and you'll be rewarded with composure, but not much else. Lexus has stuck with what they know: a forgiving, but not overly plush, ride that makes low-speed bumps and road imperfections melt away but does nothing to inspire overly enthusiastic driving, with the big front-wheel-drive ES developing understeer when pushed too hard. Drive it like 99% of all ES Hybrid owners will, and you'll be more than pleased with its refinement, low road-noise, and a general sense of stability, as well as the sofa-on-wheels nature of its softly-sprung suspension.

ES Hybrid Gas Mileage

The ES Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient model in the ES range of midsize luxury sedans thanks to its gas/electric hybrid powertrain. The EPA estimates that the Lexus ES Hybrid will manage an impressive 43/44/44 mpg city/highway/combined, which blows its gas-powered sibling out of the water. The standard ES 350 only manages 22/32/26 mpg. The Toyota Avalon Hybrid, which the Lexus ES is based upon, will match it mile for mile at 43/44/44 mpg. With a maximum fuel capacity of 13.2 gallons, the Lexus ES Hybrid has an estimated range of a massive 580 miles, which, according to Lexus, makes it the most fuel-efficient non-plug-in luxury vehicle available right now.

ES Hybrid Interior

Seating and Interior Space

The five-seat Lexus ES Hybrid is easy to get in and out of, front and back, thanks to wide-opening doors and a roofline that doesn't slope too aggressively in either direction. Once inside, the ES feels roomy and provides enough space for six-foot-tall adults to sit comfortably. Legroom in the front is measured at 42.4 inches while those in the back get a spacious 39.3 inches. The headroom in the front and back is measured at 37.5 and 37.4 inches respectively with the available power moonroof.

ES Hybrid Trunk and Cargo Space

Lift the trunk lid of the ES Hybrid, and you're greeted by 16.7 cubic feet of space, which is up there with the class leaders and sacrifices nothing versus the standard ES. The trunk opening is wide, the liftover low, and the trunk floor is nice and broad before the wheel housing and stretches back for what seems like miles. The ES Hybrid offers more trunk space than the Volvo S90 and Acura TLX, but loses some practicality points for the fact that the rear seats can't fold down.

Features

Hybrid models share their basic features list with gas-powered models, and all ES Hybrid cars get standard smart-access with push-button start, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, a power moonroof, automatic bi-LED headlamps, taillamps, and daytime running lights, as well as dual-zone automatic climate control, and Hybrid-Acoustics sound dampening. Luxury and Ultra Luxury models get perforated leather seat trim, 14-way adjustable front seats, and a driver's seat power cushion extender, while Ultra Luxury cars also enjoy a hands-free liftgate and lateral performance dampers. Driver assistance features include lane departure warning, road sign recognition, and more.

Infotainment

As is to be expected from a Lexus luxury sedan, the ES Hybrid offers all the infotainment bells and whistles. The standard eight-inch display displays information in rich color, and you get a long list of services including Lexus' Enform Remote system with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant capability, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity as well as Bluetooth streaming and USB smartphone connectivity. Free services such as the Lexus mobile app suite and subscription-free traffic and weather updates via HD radio are nice touches. Sound is channeled through a premium ten-speaker sound system that delivers a solid overall performance, but won't exactly blow your hair back. We found that using the trackpad while driving could get distracting, but the steering wheel-mounted controls felt comfortable to use. If the standard display doesn't impress you, there's a 12.3-inch option with integrated navigation and dynamic voice command, as well as a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system with over 1,800 watts of power, all for just $2,900.

ES Hybrid Problems and Reliability

There have been no recalls for 2020, although two were issued for the 2019 model; the first due to a failure to deploy the knee airbags in case of an accident, the other due to malfunctioning stability control and brake assist systems. J.D. Power's reliability score of 83 and a comprehensive warranty, which includes a four-year/60,000 mile basic and an eight-year/100,000-mile hybrid/electric component warranty, should put your mind at ease.

Warranty

ES Hybrid Safety

With a perfect five-star score from the NHTSA and a 2019 Top Safety Pick + award from the IIHS, the ES Hybrid is one of the safest cars - let alone hybrid cars - on the road today. The Lexus Safety System Plus 2.0 is mostly to thank for that: all ES Hybrid vehicles come equipped with pre-collision avoidance and pedestrian detection tech, lane tracing and lane departure assist, road sign recognition as well as adaptive radar cruise control, ten airbags, and high beam assist.

Verdict: Is The 2020 Lexus ES Hybrid A Good car?

The ES Hybrid exemplifies the Lexus method of building luxury sedans. The exterior styling looks fresh enough to keep up with its contemporaries, but not so in you face as to put off more conservative buyers who believe that the peak of Lexus design was reached with the second generation LS. On the road, the ES Hybrid is refined to the point where occupants can start to feel disconnected from the outside world, which is precisely why so many love these cars. The hybrid powertrain delivers decent acceleration, but is no powerhouse; you won't be buying an ES Hybrid for its low eight-second zero to sixty sprint times, you're going to buy it for its class-leading 43/44/44 mpg fuel economy figure. Standard features included across the range are impressive and include advanced driver assistance features such as forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, and traffic sign recognition. The ES Hybrid still has a fresh face, offers amazing levels of safety, economy, and refinement, and is worth every penny.

What's the Price of the 2020 Lexus ES Hybrid?

The myth that hybrid cars cost thousands of dollars more than their gas-powered counterparts is completely debunked by the ES Hybrid. Starting at $41,760, the ES 300h costs only $1,860 more than the ES 350. The mid-range ES 300h Luxury will set you back $44,615, and the range-topping Ultra Luxury goes for a cool $45,610. Fully kitted, the Ultra Luxury will get close to the $60,000 mark. These prices exclude destination and handling fees of $1,025.

What Lexus ES Hybrid Model Should I Buy?

Seeing as all three ES Hybrid models are powered by the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas and electric motor, the choice will boil down to the features on offer, and to be honest, there's not much other than a few convenience and luxury features separating the base model ES 300h from the top-spec 300h Ultra Luxury: go for the range-topper, and you'll get a drivers seat power cushion extender, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, perforated semi-aniline leather upholstery as well as a power rear sunshade, auto-open liftgate and a set of lateral performance dampers which we feel is an unnecessary add on in a car meant for cruising at highway speeds and crawling through quiet suburban neighborhoods. So if you won't miss any of the above mentioned, then we suggest that you go with the base model which includes standard features such as bi-LED headlights, an eight-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as a power moonroof, ten-speaker sound system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and Lane-keep assist. The 2020 ES 300h starts at $41,760, which is $3,850 less than the Ultra Luxury.

2020 Lexus ES Hybrid Comparisons

2020 Lexus ES Hybrid vs Toyota Avalon Hybrid

Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaking giant Toyota; thus the two share a large number of platforms, engines, and technologies. The ES and Avalon Hybrid share the same platform, powertrain, and certain other tech and safety features. What this means for the Avalon is that you get the same 2.5-liter inline-four gas and a single electric motor that produces a combined 215 hp. Power gets sent to the front wheels via a CVT automatic transmission and equates into a zero to sixty sprint time somewhere in the low eight-second bracket, but more importantly, a gas mileage measurement of 43/44/44 mpg, making it one of the most efficient luxury sedans on the market today. In terms of safety features, the Avalon shares driver assistance tech, such as pre-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure alert with the Lexus. Since these cars share the same platform, you can expect the same levels of interior and cargo space, but the Avalon fails to match the Lexus in terms of material choice, build quality and refinement. Starting at $37,000, we would spend the extra money and get the ES.

2020 Lexus ES Hybrid vs Lexus IS

Lexus' entry-level sedan slots in below the ES and is only available with gas-fed engines. The IS has always enjoyed a younger and more performance-driving focused target market who appreciate its balanced dynamics and premium refinement. The 2020 IS is powered by either a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-pot producing 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, or an all-motor 3.5-liter V6 producing 311 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, which is available in RWD and AWD configurations. The IS is clearly the more performance orientated car in this comparison and will accelerate to sixty in under seven seconds and feels more nimble through the corners. In its most efficient guise, the IS will return 21/30/24 mpg city/highway/combined. Interior space and overall trunk space feels cramped when compared to the bigger ES, especially in the rear where back seat passengers have to make do with only 32.2 inches of legroom. The IS shares standard safety features such as pedestrian detection and adaptive cruise control with the ES and starts off with an MSRP of $38,560. If you're looking for a more entertaining driving experience and won't miss the extra interior space or class-leading fuel economy of the ES Hybrid, then the IS range of sedans is well worth looking at.